Helpful Information

Leeds Brown Bin Garden Waste Collections 2019

Garden waste collections restart on Monday 4th March 2019. Leeds City Council advises people to put your bin out before 7:00 AM on your collection day and put it away again as soon as possible after it has been emptied. For bin day reminders on your phone, download the Leeds Bins app. The app can … Continued

Crisis prevention information

This Survival Guide from Bringing Us Together has been written by families for families of children and adults either with learning disabilities or autism, or both. The guide shares advice and information on, Living with behaviour that challenges. Life Stage Trigger Points. Keeping your loved one and others safe. Overview of the Assessment and Review … Continued

Project SEARCH Toftshaw – Transition to work programme

Project SEARCH Toftshaw are based in Next Distribution Warehouse in Bradford. They are now looking for final applicants for their September 2019 start date. The application deadline has been extended to February 28th 2019. The Project is aimed at young people aged between 18 – 25 with a learning difficulty or autistic spectrum condition. It … Continued

Healthwatch Leeds survey about people who live with visual impairment

Healthwatch Leeds is an independent organisation set up to ensure that people have a voice in their care. Healthwatch Leeds want to find out how people with visual impairments access Health and Social Care services. Please follow this link to fill the survey. You can contact Healthwatch Leeds on 0113 898 0035 or email info@healthwatchleeds.co.uk. … Continued

Be #WeatherReady

Are you weather ready? The National Met Office is running a campaign called #WeatherReady. The campaign encourages people living in Leeds to take simple steps to stay safe and well, whatever the weather. These steps include, Top up anti-freeze screen wash, check your tires and think about a winter kit for your car. Think about … Continued

Advice from NHS England for managing your health over winter.

NHS England and Public Health England are helping the public to better understand what actions they can take to manage their own health and get the best out of their NHS with the ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign. If people follow the expert advice of NHS staff, you can take the right steps to stay … Continued

Carers Leeds – Carers News January/February 2019

HOLD – Home Ownership for people with Long term Disabilities

You may remember last year My Safe Home announced that it’s now possible for friends, couples with or without children and individuals whose parent acts as their full time carer to buy a home of their own using HOLD (Home Ownership for people with Long-term Disabilities) as long as at least one of the adults … Continued

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Leeds Community Hubs

The community hubs listed below offer a mixture of library services, housing services, customer services and offer job searching help and advice. They are also a place for pop up surgeries from different organisations, for example the National Careers Service, DWP, Money buddies, Credit Union, Citizens Advice. Please look at the document below to see … Continued

Advonet Stakeholder Survey 2018

Advonet has a new stakeholder survey, asking you for your views on what they do well and where the can do better. Anyone in Leeds can do the survey, including: Members of the public. Carers. Businesses. Contractors. Third sector professionals. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete. The deadline for replies is the … Continued

Easy Read Information about Keeping Fit

It’s really important to keep exercising, even in the winter. It does not have to be fast or competitive but keeping moving helps you to be healthy. Going for a walk every day is a free activity that you can do on your own or with friends. Was this post helpful? Let us know if … Continued

Advice to help you keep warm and keep well during winter

In winter it gets cold. That can make you feel cold, too. Then it’s easier to become ill, with a cold or flu or perhaps chest problems. But you can stop this from happening to you by, Keeping warm. Keep moving. Eat and drink warming things. Keep the house warm. Wear warm clothes at home … Continued

Survey about travelling while autistic

Leeds Autism AIM have a new online survey asking for your views on the barriers to using public transport. The survey, which only takes a few minutes to complete, aims to find out what you would find useful when using buses, trains and other forms of public transport as an autistic person. The results from … Continued

Survey about accessing LGBTQ spaces

Attitude Is Everything is wanting to hear the experiences of Deaf and disabled LGBTQ people when trying to access community events and venues. Many disabled LGBTQ people face problems accessing clubs, bars and events like Pride. Being shut out of these spaces due to lack of access has a big impact – more than entertainment … Continued

Accessible information about flu and the flu jab

In the video below Camilla talks about what happened when she went for a flu jab. Easy Read information about the flu injection Was this post helpful? Let us know if you liked the post. That’s the only way we can improve. Yes0 No0 Powered by Devhats

Easy Read and online survey about providing a primary care mental health service for adults in Leeds.

People in Leeds are being asked for their views on primary care mental health services. A new ‘Easy Read’ survey has been produced to make it easier for people to have their say. Primary care means the care that you get from your GP, practice nurse, pharmacist and so on. They are the first place … Continued

Easy Read information about what to do if you find blood in your pee

An easy read version of the NHS Be Clear on Cancer bladder and kidney cancer campaign leaflet. This leaflet tells you how to spot the signs of bladder and kidney cancer and how you should see your doctor if you have any of these signs. For more information and other alternative formats visit NHS.uk/bloodinpee Was … Continued

Changes to the Mental Capacity Act

The Mental Capacity Act is changing. The document attached below explains what these proposed changes are. To have your say on the proposed amendments, please fill in the survey at the end of the document and send it back: By email to mcab@39essex.com or by post to Mental Capacity Amendment Bill 39 Essex Chambers, 81 … Continued

Beautiful Octopus Club Night September 2018 – Announcment

Beautiful Octopus Club is taking a break for the first time in 17 years. This is because the Playhouse is closed for re-development. The Playhouse Team will be back in April 2019 at Leeds University Union, with an extra special evening of music, dance and performance. More details on the Playhouse website keep checking www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk … Continued

Get plugged in to resources direct from the Care Quality Commission

Did you know that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) sends out a monthly bulletin to all regional stakeholders? Some of the things shared in the bulletin are, Latest publications that you can use to help drive improvement locally. Resources for Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) to use to have conversations with their practices. Information on how … Continued

Easy Read information about what happens when someone dies in NHS care

NHS England has listened to families, trusts and other stakeholders to put together information for families who have a loved one that has died while being looked after by the NHS. They have made some easy read information that explains what happens after someone dies, including how to comment on the care your loved one … Continued

Information about how to get extra support when there is a power cut

Do you need extra support due to your health? Many people don’t realise that a power cut can cause serious problems for people that need extra support. Help is out there. Sign up to Northern Powergrid’s Priority Services Register to be prepared for something that can bring concerns or challenges. The service helps those people … Continued

EasyRead booklets about Cancer from Macmillan

Macmillan has a range of EasyRead booklets about cancer. The booklets use easy to understand language and pictures. They can be useful for anyone who finds it hard to read. You can see EasyRead information booklets about cancer for free by clicking the button below The EasyRead information booklets were made by Macmillan and other … Continued

People Matters Employment Services

People Matters can help you to find unpaid or paid work. There are two courses, Preparation for Work, which is two days a week and Job Club, which is 3 hours a week. You will be supported by a Job Coach on either of our courses. 100% of those who attend either course stay with … Continued

Recycle for Leeds – Information about recycling plastic in Leeds

Last year in Leeds people recycled almost 4,500 tonnes of plastic – that’s the weight of over 30 blue whales! Sometimes it can be confusing to know which plastics can be recycled. But in Leeds it’s as easy as 1, 2 and 4. Many of the plastic products we use have a small numbered in … Continued

Get Checked Out

GPs offer Health Checks and Health Action Plans for people with learning disabilities aged over 14 years. Please use this link to find out find the Get Checked Out Health Resources. Was this post helpful? Let us know if you liked the post. That’s the only way … Continued

Employment and Support Allowance information for people who have already made a claim

Easy Read information about growing older with learning disabilities

A new guideline from National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) aims to ensure that people with learning disabilities are given the help they need to access a range of services as they grow older, so they can live healthy and fulfilled lives. The information tells people about identifying changing needs, planning for the … Continued

A guide to help people complete the ‘How your disability affects you’ form – PIP Assessment Help

Mencap have published a guide to help people complete the ‘How your disability affects you’ form (PIP 2 form which is step 2 of PIP application process). The information is aimed at people who have a learning disability or who are helping a person with a learning disability with a PIP application. However, people with … Continued

Easy Read Guide about stopping over medication of people with a learning disability, autism or both (STOMP)

STOMP stands for Stopping The Over Medication of People with a learning disability, autism or both with psychotropic medicines. It is a national project involving many different organisations which are helping to stop the over use of these medicines. STOMP is about helping people to stay well and have a good quality of life. There … Continued

Video about Independent Travel Training for Adults in Leeds

This film celebrates the successes of those adults with learning disabilities that have successfully completed independent travel training provided by Leeds City Council, Passenger Transport. This short video was made by the Ginger Cat Theatre Company. This company is a partnership of customers from Aspire CBS and the Bridge Project. Was this post helpful? Let … Continued

Leeds City Council Executive Board – Being Me Strategy video

The Executive Board is the principal decision making body of the Council. At the executive board meeting, on Wednesday 18th of April the executive board discussed the new Being Me strategy. Click the button below to watch the video. Watch the video Was this post helpful? Let us know if you liked the post. That’s … Continued

Leeds Young Talent Night 2018

Leeds Young Talent is back People in Action, People Matters and Leeds City College are organising a Talent Show for people aged 14 – 25 with a Learning Disability or autism. Can you do any of the following, Sing? Dance? Perform? Make people laugh? Play an instrument? To apply click the link to complete an … Continued

Easy Read Guide to Voting in the May local elections 2018

Mencap have created a guide for voters with a learning disability ahead of England’s local elections in May 2018. This guide has lots of useful information including, What is voting? How you can register to vote. Voting you can apply to vote by post. Voting by proxy – this means someone votes on behalf of … Continued

Advonet Newsletter for February 2018

Volunteers with learning difficulties wanted

Do you think people with learning difficulties could have better social lives? Do you want to help make that happen? If yes, you are invited to be part of a group that will be working to improve the social lives of people with learning difficulties in Leeds You need to be free on Tuesdays. Who … Continued

Support for TV viewers affected by Freeview interference from 4G mobile signals

Does your Freeview television suffer from interference? Are you getting blocky or frozen pictures, no signal or a loss of sound or channels on your Freeview television? at800 offer free support if your TV signal is affected, and you do not have cable or satellite TV. For more information contact 0808 131 3800 Was this … Continued

Poo and You – A brief guide to constipation

Following the death of Richard Handley which was caused by complications from constipation, Learning Distability England (LDE) members Dimensions have produced a short film called Poo and You. Constipation can be dangerous if not managed effectively but not everyone is comfortable talking about their bowel movements – the video below provides a brief guide to … Continued

Tenfold Awards 2018

The Tenfold Learning Disability Awards are back for the third time in 2018! The Awards ceremony is scheduled for Friday 22 June at the Queens Hotel Leeds. The evening will include a drinks reception, three course meal and of course the presentations to the award winners. The evening will mark the end of Learning Disability … Continued

SAFER Newsletter February 2018

The SAFER February Newsletter tells you about scams, frauds and doorstep crime currently happening in the local area. Was this post helpful? Let us know if you liked the post. That’s the only way we can improve. Yes0 No0 Powered by Devhats

Three great courses for people with a learning disability

Employability Skills Build confidence and begin to understand what it means to work and volunteer. Thursdays 10:30AM – 12:30PM Cost – £2.00 At Gipton Old Fire Station Ready, Steady, Cook! Learn to plan and cook simple, healthy meals. If you choose you can enter for an NOCN qualification in cooking! Wednesdays 11:00AM – 13:00PM Cost … Continued

Easy Read information about keeping safe online

This easy read guide about keeping safe online has been made by Care Management Group and CHANGE. In this guide you will find information about What people like to do online. Types of online abuse. How to keep safe online. Warning signs that you are not safe What to do if you have a problem. … Continued

NHS England EasyRead Survey about stopping the prescription of some medicines, which people can buy over the counter

NHS England are asking people to give their views about stopping the prescription of some medicines, which people can buy over the counter. Your feedback will help the NHS so they can do the right things to make a difference. Click here to take the online survey Was this post helpful? Let us know if … Continued

What happens when I’m no longer around – a planning guide for families who have a relative with a learning disability, autism, or both

Family Carer Support Service have launched a new film for family carers. “What happens when I’m no longer around” is a planning guide for families who have a relative with a learning disability, autism, or both Was this post helpful? Let us know if you liked the post. That’s the only way we can improve. … Continued

Advonet Newsletter for January 2018

Carers Guide – Looking after someone, information and support for carers.

Carers UK have updated their information guide for carers. The Looking After Someone guide details of practical & financial support for carers. The guide includes, A Carer’s Guide: an illustrated introduction to the challenges of caring, from making difficult decisions to looking after your health and wellbeing. Benefits: an overview of which benefits you or … Continued

Local guide to help with benefits, work, money, housing problems and more

Advice Local can help you with questions about, Welfare benefits and tax credits. Council tax, including exemptions and discounts. Debt and money advice. Housing and homelessness. Employment and work issues. Disability and social care. Asylum and immigration. Enter a postcode in to the box below and choose an advice topic to find tailored information for … Continued

Raising concerns and making complaints about health, social care or education

The NHS want to hear from children, young people and adults with a learning disability, autism or both, their families and paid carers. They want to hear about raising concerns and making complaints. They need your help so they can do the right things to make a difference. They are carrying out a survey to … Continued

Dark Night Safety Tips

Now the clocks have gone back the nights are starting to get dark earlier. Here are some top tips to keep yourself safe whilst at home. Only answer the door to someone you are expecting. Use peep holes or if possible, check through windows to see who is at your door. Always use the door … Continued

Easy Read information about claiming free NHS dental care

An easy read guide about who can have free NHS dental care and what happens if you wrongly claim. Was this post helpful? Let us know if you liked the post. That’s the only way we can improve. Yes0 No0 Powered by Devhats

Parliament Explained podcasts

In these podcasts, presenter Meera Syal talks about how UK Parliament works including talking about what Parliament is, how Parliament examine and check the work of the Government, and how you can get involved. During this politically impartial series, Meera is joined by staff from the House of Lords and the House of Commons, including … Continued

Autumn Teens & Twenties Newsletter

Please see below the latest edition of the People Matters Teens and Twenties magazine, the focus being the activities members have engaged in with Teens and Twenties Group over the Summer. Was this post helpful? Let us know if you liked the post. That’s the only way we can improve. Yes0 No0 Powered by Devhats

Access Leeds Theatre Newsletter

Autumn/Winter 2017 Audio Described, British Sign Language Interpreted, Captioned, Relaxed and Dementia-Friendly Performances in Leeds from September 2017 to January 2018. Was this post helpful? Let us know if you liked the post. That’s the only way we can improve. Yes0 No0 Powered by Devhats

Win tea and cake for two people – Competition Rules

We have teamed up with SLATE to bring one lucky person the chance to win afternoon tea and cake for two. All you have to do is Like our Facebook page and then leave a comment on this post telling us what day and time the Through the Maze Ask Us – Drop in runs. … Continued

NHS England Information On End Of Life Care For People With A Learning Disability

NHS England and The Palliative Care for People with a Learning Disability (PCPLD) Network have published a booklet. The booklet is called “Delivering high quality end of life care for people who have a learning disability.” It has information and tips for Commissioners, Service Providers and Health and Social Care Teams. It includes the following … Continued

Useful documents about Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Download Staff Uniform Identification for adult ward Download Staff Uniform Identification for children’s wards Download Leeds Teaching Hospitals Values and Behaviours Was this post helpful? Let us know if you liked the post. That’s the only way we can improve. Yes0 No0 Powered by Devhats

Useful documents for people with autism who are going to hospital

Download My Hospital Passport for people on the autism spectrum Download My Hospital Passport guidance notes for people on the autism spectrum Was this post helpful? Let us know if you liked the post. That’s the only way we can improve. Yes0 No0 Powered by Devhats

Transforming Short Breaks for Carers – Community Consultation Events

Leeds City Council is reviewing the way in which it helps carers to get a break. Short Breaks are currently provided through the Shared Lives Outreach Team or via external providers. These external providers are Mears Care, Moorcare, Allied Healthcare, Synergy. If you receive a Short Break through these sources come along and share your … Continued

Better Action for Families have moved!

The last group was held at Beeston Village Community Centre on Saturday 29th July 2017. The weekly activities will continue as follows: Monday 6.00pm – 7.30pm Social Group for Adults – Sugar Mill Business Park, Oakhurst Avenue, LS11 7HL Wednesday 5.00pm – 7.00pm Family Fun Sugar Mill Business Park, Oakhurst Avenue, LS11 7HL Thursday 1.45pm … Continued

Accessible information about staying safe in hot weather

When it is hot weather it is a good idea to plan ahead and think about the ways to stay cool. This will help you stay safe during hot weather. Before the hot weather arrives, it is a really good time to think about what you can do to make things easier for yourself. Below … Continued

On Wednesday the 7th of June Leeds City Council held a Post 16 Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre Marketplace at Leeds Civic Hall. The event allowed people to talk to special educational needs service providers from in and around Leeds. Want to find out more? Visit https://leedslocaloffer.org.uk Was this post helpful? Let us know if you liked the … Continued

PIP Tips for Family Carers

Hft has created a list of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) tips for family carers. The tips aim to make filling in the PIP form as easy as possible, and help you complete it in a way that will give the assessors an accurate picture of your relative’s situation. PIP Tips for family carers document (.PDF 308KB) … Continued

Better Action for Families go to St James’s Palace

You may remember we told you that Better Action for Families had been chosen for Duke of York Community Initiative Award. One Tuesday 9th May 2017 Lynn Bailey, Leanne Benson and Yvonne Ugarte went to St James’s Palace in London where they met Prince Andrew and collected their award. Lynn Bailey said “It was such … Continued

Signposting and Advice Line

Signposting and Advice line for health and social care services in Leeds. 0113 898 0035 Phone line is open : 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday Was this post helpful? Let us know if you liked the post. That’s the only way we can improve. Yes0 No0 Powered by Devhats

United Response Easy Read Election Special 2017

United Response have written an easy read guide to the main political parties’ manifestos. The Easy News Election Special tells people about the main messages from the seven main political parties in one, easy read, unbiased document – making it easier for people with learning disabilities to read and compare the parties’ promises on important … Continued

Easy Read Labour Party Manifesto

Easy Read information about voting in the 2017 General Election.

On June the 8th 2017 there will be a General Election. General Elections are when people in local areas vote for their Member of Parliament. Inclusion North have created an Easy Read guide about the General Election. The guide has lots of links to lots of information about how to vote. Was this post helpful? … Continued

Accessible information about politics and voting

United Response has written three Easy Read booklets about politics and voting. The booklets have been updated for the 2017 general election. How politics affects your life – this booklet explains how the law works, the basic rights of all people and how these things impact our lives on a daily basis. Download the Booklet … Continued

Everything you need to know about your Care and Treatment review

Care and Treatment Review is often called a CRT. A CTR Is a way of making sure you get the right care for you. CTRs are for people with learning disabilities autism or both who are in hospital because of a mental health problem. Or because their behaviour is seen as challenging to services. It … Continued

Annual health checks for people with learning disabilities

NHS England wants to increase the number of people with a learning disability having good annual health checks. To encourage GPs to do the health checks they will now be paid more by NHS England. There is also a new template to help GPs do good annual health checks. This is called the National Electronic … Continued

Better Action for Families chosen for Duke of York Community Initiative Award

Better Action for Families has been chosen for a Duke of York Community Initiative Award. They will be attending an award event on 12th April 2017 to collect the award at St Paul’s Church Huddersfield. Members of Better Action for Families have also been invited to meet the Duke of York on Tuesday 9th May … Continued

New guide to care and support in Leeds

An updated Leeds Care Homes and Housing Options Directory has been published in association with Leeds City Council. The guide explains to people how to access, and pay for, care services throughout Leeds. It also helps people to understand their options, highlights where to go for advice and gives information on how paying for care … Continued

EasyRead guide about cervical screening

At the moment very few women with a learning disability have a cervical screening test, also known as a smear test. Some people think the reason why women don’t get a smear test is because they are too embarrassed to talk about it or they don’t know enough about the test. All women whether they … Continued

John Lewis Community Room – Leeds

This room can be booked free of charge by charities, community groups and good causes. The room is on floor 4 of John Lewis, its a modern, fairly large room that could hold about 25 -32 people. There is only seating for about 16. Please email clc.leeds@johnlewis.co.uk for booking enquiries, please have a look … Continued

Learn more about 111 the NHS non-emergency number

111 is a phone number you can call for advice if you feel unwell but it is not an emergency. 111 is fast, easy and free to call from landlines and mobile phones. The service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. When you call 111 you will be asked some … Continued

Accessible information about Smart Meters.

A smart meter is a new type of gas and electricity meter. Smart meters show the amount of gas and electricity you’re using, and how much this is costing you in pounds and pence, on a portable screen. The smart meter also sends meter readings directly to the energy supplier. This means no need for … Continued

St Martin’s Free Community Kitchen

St Martin’s community kitchen is open to families, individuals, the homeless, underprivileged and whoever else may be in need of some delicious food. Every Saturday food will be served from 12:00PM ➔ 2:00PM. St Martins Institute St Martins View Leeds LS7 3LA Was this post helpful? Let us know if you liked the post. That’s … Continued

Money Buddies

Every Monday 12:30PM ➔ 3:30PM The Reginald Centre 263 Chapeltown Road Leeds LS7 3EX Free help with debts arrears energy grants and much more Services Apply for grants that could wipe out or reduce gas, electric or water debts. Get help toward paying bedroom tax. Write letters to banks, loan and payday loan companies. Help with completing … Continued

Useful information – Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust Service

If you have a learning disability or are supporting someone who has a learning disability who is accessing any Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust Service – please read the useful document below. Was this post helpful? Let us know if you liked the post. That’s the only way we can improve. Yes0 No0 Powered by Devhats

Hospital Passport 2019 – Get Me Better

Campagin to create new job opportunities for young disabled people

I Can Make It, is a Disability Rights UK campaign that aims to create new job opportunities for young disabled people. The campaign was created because of the need to increase employment opportunities for disabled young people. The campaign will be led by young disabled people with support of Disability Rights U.K. Their aim is … Continued

Gipton Fire Station to be changed into community and business centre

Gipton Fire Station has been bought by GFS Community Enterprise. They are working with local charities from Leeds to change the fire station to a centre that will contain activities and services for people living in the local area of Gipton. There are lots of charity organisations who are planning to work from the new … Continued

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening

Please read the Easy Read Information below it tells you about a free test you can have to check if you have a health problem called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This is called AAA for short. The test is called AAA Screening. It is for men who are 65 or older. Please click here … Continued

Report hate crime with a new mobile phone app

Stop Hate UK have launched a new free phone app that allows people living in West Yorkshire to report hate crimes. The app gives people a safe way to tell Stop Hate UK about hate crime. The app also lets you find out what you can do to report things further. If you are a … Continued

How to save the Through the Maze website to your phone

You can save our new website to your mobile phone. If you save our website to your phone it will work like an app. How to save a Through the Maze website shortcut to your iPhone (PDF – 288KB) How to save a Through the Maze website shortcut to your Android phone (PDF – 372KB) Was … Continued

Pass it on People

Pass it on People are a group of people with learning disabilities. We meet every 2 weeks. From April some of us will get paid. We share information with each other. It’s about what’s happening in Leeds for people with learning disabilities. We pass on what we have found out with the people we know. … Continued

Community learning disability team easy read document

Please read the easy read document of who is in the community learning disability team View the Community Learning Disability Team document Was this post helpful? Let us know if you liked the post. That’s the only way we can improve. Yes0 No0 Powered by Devhats

Wheelchair taxi rules will finally come into force… after 20 years

A report by peers on the impact of equality legislation on disabled people appears to have secured its first success, after the government agreed to bring into force taxi regulations – 20 years after they were first included in legislation. The regulations will mean that taxi-drivers can no longer refuse to accept wheelchair-users, and will … Continued